March 17, 2011

How state budget process works

The governor’s budget proposal is one step in Pennsylvania’s budget process. Typically delivered on the first Tuesday in February, this year’s message was delayed until March 8 to allow transition time for Gov. Tom Corbett’s new administration.

A comparison of current funding and Corbett’s proposal as part of his budget for higher education shows:

The governor’s budget proposal triggers hearings in the House and Senate appropriations committees before legislators vote on a general appropriation bill and separate bills for non-preferred appropriations for agencies not under the complete control of the state. Pitt’s is among the non-preferred appropriations, requiring a two-thirds vote of the House and Senate for approval.

Representatives of the state-related universities testified before the Senate committee March 16 (see related story this issue) and are scheduled for a March 28 hearing in the House.